Exchange

Academic requirements

To be eligible for the program you must:

• have a weighted average mark (WAM) of 60. If you are a Law student, the requirement is a WAM of 65.
• be accepted by your home university to participate in the exchange program. We advise that you speak to your home university exchange advisor to confirm your eligibility
• meet Macquarie University English language requirements of IELTS 6.5 (or equivalent).

As an Exchange student, you will have the opportunity to build your own study program from a wide range of units offered at Macquarie University. Please refer to the handbook and unit guide for information on available units.

When choosing a unit to study you should consider the following:

• As a student visa holder, you are required to enrol in a full-time study load of 3-4 units (30-40 credit points), with 75% of the credit points completed in the internal (face-to-face) delivery mode.
  • See more information about our credit points, grading system and unit levels.
• You must receive approval from your home institution for the units you choose. Make sure to reach out to your academic advisor.
• You must have met the academic prerequisites of each unit. Check each unit's prerequisites in the handbook.
• Ensure the chosen unit is offered in the intended session (semester) of study (Session 1 or Session 2). Check unit offerings in the handbook.
• You must select units appropriate for your level of study:
  • Undergraduate unit levels: 1000 level (1st year), 2000 level (2nd year), 3000 level (3rd year), 4000 level (4th year)
  • Postgraduate unit levels: 8000 level, 9000 level.
• You must not study a restricted unit. This also includes all units taught at the Macquarie City campus.

While on exchange at Macquarie University, you can also obtain the Global Leadership Certificate. This extra-curricular program at no additional cost will help you broaden your knowledge from an Australian perspective!

If you meet the program entry requirements, your home institution is required to nominate you to participate in the program.

After your home university has nominated you for an exchange program with us, you will be able to apply direct to Macquarie University – view the steps you need to take.

Make sure to go through the following material for information on our Exchange program and life at Macquarie:

• 2025 Exchange Fact Sheet
• Study Abroad and Exchange International Student Guide
• Pre-Departure and Arrival Welcome Pack S1 2025
• Prerequisite Waiver Process Video Tutorial
• 2025 Restricted Unit List

To come to Australia as a Study Abroad student, you will need to apply for and obtain a Subclass 500 Student visa.

For information on this visa type, eligibility, visa conditions, and how to apply, please visit the Department of Home Affairs website. Make sure to also go through Macquarie's Student Visa Conditions page.

Visa applicants should refer to the Document Checklist Tool to find out which documents need to be attached to their visa application and acceptable English language tests to satisfy the visa requirements.